UMass: Senate budget plan won't avoid tuition hike

Officials say $478 million needed

University of Massachusetts officials are warning that the Senate's budget proposal doesn't include enough money for the university system to avoid tuition and fee hikes during the upcoming academic year.

Officials said they need $478 million, which Gov. Deval Patrick proposed earlier this year and the House adopted when they passed their version of the budget last month.

The Senate, however, has proposed $455 million. That's an increase over the $439 million the university currently receives, but not enough to guarantee a tuition freeze.

UMass President Robert Caret said university officials hope to press the Senate to adopt an amendment matching the higher number when they debate their nearly $34 billion state budget next week.

The new state budget must be approved by lawmakers and signed by Patrick by July 1.